Smit to make a huge difference

Chances of a surprise result in the rugby test at Ellis Park on Saturday would have been greater had John Smit not captained South Africa, says Samoa’s captain, Semo Sititi writes Michael Green for SuperSport.

The Samoans clearly respect Smit’s influence. “I have played against him, and I can tell you he makes a major impact with his experience and leadership,” Sititi said in Johannesburg on Thursday.

The lanky No 8, who will play in his 50th test, added: “One should not underestimate his role in the scrum. He is a very intelligent player. I regard him as one of the best captains in world rugby.”

Springbok coach Jake White must have done some mind-reading because he insisted on Smit captaining the team, despite pressure to give reserve hooker Gary Botha more game time.

Depending on how the match develops, White will send Botha out to replace Smit, who will then hand the captaincy to Bob Skinstad.

Sititi also respects Skinstad’s ability. “I have played against him as well and I regard him as an extremely skilful player. He has good anticipation and is a good link between forwards and backs.”

Sititi also named flank Luke Watson and flyhalf Derick Hougaard as danger men in the Springbok team.

“We know we’re up against a big, heavy pack and we know their backs are fast and they defend well,” he said.

“In a pack of this calibre we will have to watch Watson. After all the controversy about his inclusion he will want to make his mark.

“I have not played against him, but I’ve seen him on TV, playing in Super 14 matches. He was very good.”

The Samoan captain also expects Hougaard’s kicking to have a strong influence on the match. “We will have to be clever. It’s no use giving away penalties for illegal tackling just because we may want to intimidate their centres.

“Hougaard will make us pay dearly, and his tactical kicking is equally good. We will have to limit the number of penalties against us.”

The visitors worked hard on their scrumming on Thursday, clearly expecting a tough onslaught from Os du Randt and his mates.

“We will also have to be clever in the scrums. Because the Springboks are so big, we will have to win possession in some way or another.”

The Samoans will have to play intelligently in the lineouts as well to counter tall Albert van den Berg and his colleagues. “We will try a few things to disrupt them,” Sititi said.